Friendly Against Gloucester Confirmed

Cardiff Blues have announced confirmation of a pre-season fixture against last season's Guinness Premiership Runners up, Gloucester RFC.

The fixture will be played at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday 25th August, kick off 2.30pm. Ticket news will be published soon.

The Cherry & Whites squad, which topped the league table before going down to the Tigers in the Premiership Final at Twickenham, include internationals such as Phil Vickery, Mike Tindall, James Simpson Daniel, Peter Richards, James Forrester, Marco Bortolami and Mefin Davies and have recently signed Leon Lloyd from Leicester Tigers.

The Blues met Gloucester in back-to-back fixtures in the Heineken Cup in December 2004, in two equally matched contests the west country side just edged both games. This latest encounter will possibly provide Blues fans with the first chance to see new signings Paul Tito, Jason Spice and Richie Rees in action and could also see Gary Powell line-up against his former team mates.

Director of Coaching Dai Young said,

"Our links with Gloucester go back many years and this game will be ideal preparation for the start of the new season as Dean Ryan their head coach is one of the best in the Premiership. They have a very talented squad and we hope to see a good turn out of their supporters as well as the great backing of our own support."